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2004 Telethon Nets $4,136,401!

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Ann Miller, Media Relations
(727) 892-8592

News Release

2004 Telethon Nets $4,136,401!

(June 6, 2004) St. Petersburg, FL – The 2004 All Children’s Hospital Telethon today recorded another resounding success, raising a grand total of $4,136,401 for the region’s referral center for specialized pediatric care. This year’s Telethon theme, “Building Miracles…From the Inside Out” kicked off a fundraising campaign to build a bigger, better All Children’s Hospital, with room for individual patient rooms and state-of-the-art technology to provide “little miracles” with the specialized care they need every day. Stories of youngsters from throughout west central Florida who have benefited from All Children’s care were the highlight of the 21st annual fundraiser.

In its 78-year history, All Children’s Hospital has grown to become a regional referral center for the highest level of pediatric specialty care and one of the top 20 children’s hospitals in the nation. The Hospital’s mission also includes a strong commitment to teaching and research through its partnerships with the University of South Florida and the Children’s Research Institute. All Children’s regional reach has spurred the creation of outreach facilities in six west central Florida counties. Community support made such growth possible. Today’s amazing toteboard total pushes the cumulative total of 21-years of Telethon donations to more than $49-million. It will also help fund the construction of a new hospital and outreach center with nearly a million square feet of space on the downtown St. Petersburg campus. Groundbreaking on the new hospital is planned for 2005, with a projected completion date in 2007.

The annual Telethon was broadcast live from All Children’s Education and Conference Center on WFLA-TV News Channel 8 from Saturday, June 5 at 8:30 PM through Sunday, June 6 at 6:30 PM. The event was also broadcast on WTVK/WB-6, the WB affiliate in the Ft. Myers/Naples area.

In addition to the Telethon, three other special events also took place over the weekend to benefit All Children’s Hospital. Money raised from the individual events was included in this year’s $4,136,401 total.

The Taste of Pinellas raised more than $200,000 for the hospital over the course of three days. Now in its 18th year, the annual food festival generated record dollars. A stellar line-up of headline music acts including REO Speedwagon, Kenny Loggins and Eddie Money drew record crowds to Vinoy Park on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, thanks to a cooperative effort with Ruth Eckerd Hall.

The two-day All Children’s Hospital Auction at Tyrone Square and the Saturday night VIP Auction Kickoff Party at the Hilton/St. Petersburg added more than $225,000 to the Telethon total.